Prayer Needs

Prayer Needs

EMC is a Worshipping Church where prayer is considered vital to our ethos and indeed to God's word.

These pages give the opportunity of all of us to seek God's help via the media of prayer; following are some pointers towards our thoughts with our God.

Praying with EMC Internet led by Malcolm Boyd

April to June 2009

Sunday Schools

We pray for children in our Sunday Schools and Junior Churches that they may learn what it is to live a Christian life in the pattern of Jesus. Pray that they may understand that precious gift of love which comes from knowing Him and in turn may grow to love and serve Him. Pray also for new beginnings and that the seeds of faith may be nourished and nurtured by the power of the Holy Spirit so that there is a rich harvest of service in the Christian community.

I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God’s people you may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love. Ephesians 3:17-18.

Examinations

At this time of the year children are facing exams that will determine their future. Pray that they will have clear and calm minds and that their hard work will be reflected in good results.

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1Corinthians 14:33

Direction

We pray Lord that those children who have finished school and who may be looking for work may seek guidance and direction. Lord Jesus, be a guiding light to all seeking direction following school or college.

And the Lord will guide you continually. Isaiah 58:11

Protection

Father there are so many temptations facing young people as they seek to establish their own way in life. We pray that you will protect young minds from the temptations they will face and strengthen their resolution to avoid such enticements.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1Corinthians 10:13

Poverty

Throughout the world countless children are dying in poverty from hunger and dehydration not of theirs or their parents’ fault. Lord Jesus, place in the hearts and minds of those in richer nations the responsibility and concern for the plight of the poor and needy in third world countries.

For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

And truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' Matthew 25:42 and 44.

Abuse

Lord Jesus, too often we read of children in abusive relationships, sometimes physical, sometimes sexual. Lord we pray that you will cover all children with your protection because we know that all are precious in your sight. We pray also that the behaviour of those in responsible positions whether parents, siblings or teachers may be changed.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16

Child soldiers

In some war-torn countries children are being forced to take up arms. We pray Lord, that the innocence of children is protected and not compromised by unscrupulous war lords to achieve their own ends. Please pray that these children are protected and that their future is saved from corruption.

It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Luke 17:2

Childhood illness

We pray Lord for those children seriously ill in hospital. Surround them with your love and place your healing hand on them and bring them back quickly to full health. We pray also that you will comfort and support the parents and encourage and inspire the nursing and medical staff.

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. Jeremiah 33:6

Disability

For children who are disabled from birth or who suffer disabling injury as the result of accident or illness, we pray that their quality of life may improve through the dedication and care of those who provide a home and therapy for them so that they can live a fulfilled life.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.

Matthew 9:35

The Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Isaiah 49:13

return

Credit Crunch

This is a term that many people had not heard of until recently. The banking world knew the term but now it is recognised on the High Street in businesses and by every household. ‘Credit crunch’ is the sudden reduction in the availability of credit’ and it will affect all households – some more than others.

The situation seems to have been caused through a series of circumstances that have resulted in a domino collapse starting in the USA, spreading to the UK and other parts of the world.

High risk sub-prime mortgage loans led to the crash (fall) of Northern Rock, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. House sales slumped, house building stopped and mortgages became almost non-existent. The collapse of shares resulted in the flow of money slowing even more. Utility costs of gas and electricity increased. Thousands of jobs were cut at banks. Large companies e.g. Marks and Spencers reported ‘shock profits’ and an increasing number of customers were ‘drawing in their purse strings’ and shopping at the ‘cheaper’ stores of Lidle, Aldi and Morrisons.

Cash flow almost stopped, so the Banks were given money by the Government in addition to the banks asking for money from share-holders. The flow of cash was still slow, because lenders stopped lending and credit was difficult to obtain. Debts were called in and many familiar names disappeared e.g. MFI, Woolworths - with the loss of jobs- and more will follow.

People were encouraged to spend their way out of the difficulty. Some used their credit card, others cash. It is estimated that 7million people are at risk of getting into a debt problem because of the economic situation.

The more traditional methods of raising money, such as pawn shops report an increase in business. Even the internet has web-sites that advertise selling off part of your home, or how to obtain a short term loan using your car as security. There is also a range of free debt help and advice, money saving tips and bargain hunting.

The Church of England has developed a site http://www.cofe.anglican.org/debt/whatchurchescando

Plus another useful site is http://www.red2black.org.uk/index.php

These contains: a guide for householders to complete so that they can work out whether they are likely to join the debt spiral; common sense advice; prayers for guidance for those working out a budget and for those worried about debt.

In your prayers remember:

·        Those who is in threat of, or have lost their job

·        Those who have lost their home

·        Those who are struggling financially

·        Everyone who is trying to solve the current situation

·        Those in control of the financial markets